Living in a residence hall in college creates a positive experience for students as they learn and make connections with their peers. Unfortunately, it also means that germs can spread more easily. Staying healthy while in college requires developing good habits. UIS offers a lot of support and resources to keep you thriving throughout the semester. Let鈥檚 talk about what dorm disease is, how to prevent it and the services provided on campus to make you feel better sooner.
What is dorm disease?
鈥淒orm disease鈥� isn鈥檛 one illness. It refers to different viruses and bacteria that cause sickness, like colds, the flu, sore throats and stomach bugs, that spread when roommates, friends or people using shared bathrooms and kitchens pass them to each other. Because residence halls have many people in close spaces, germs spread faster.
Here are some common ways dorm disease spreads:
- Sharing items like towels, dishes and electronics
- Touching doorknobs, light switches and sink handles
- Not washing hands after coughing, sneezing and using the bathroom
- Not cleaning surfaces often
How can you prevent dorm disease?
The good news is that there are several easy steps you can take to stay well. These habits protect you and others.
- Wash your hands frequently: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially essential after using the bathroom, before eating and after being around people who are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use your elbow or a tissue and not your hands. Throw away used tissues and then wash your hands!
- Don鈥檛 share personal items: Avoid using someone else鈥檚 water bottle, straw, towel or pillow. Keep your stuff to yourself when possible.
- Keep your space clean: Wipe desks, doorknobs, faucets and bathroom surfaces often with disinfectant or cleaner.
- Eat well, sleep enough and stay active: Your body fights germs better when it gets rest, good food, water and exercise.
- Practice safe hygiene: Use clean towels, change your sheets and shower regularly.
- Get your vaccinations: Being up to date on vaccinations, like flu shots, helps protect you and your peers from becoming sick.
UIS has services to help when you鈥檙e feeling ill
Even with the best habits, everyone gets sick sometimes. Fortunately, UIS has the right resources to help you recover and stay on track.
- UIS Health Services: Offers treatment for minor illnesses, such as colds, infections, allergies and minor injuries.
- Immunizations: UIS requires certain vaccines and helps with getting immune protection. If you haven鈥檛 had the required immunizations or need documents, Health Services can assist.
- Wellness resources and self-help tools: UIS Health has information, guidelines and other tools to help you learn how to avoid or handle sickness.
- Counseling and mental health support: Being sick or isolated can affect your mood. The Counseling Center offers services for emotional support. It鈥檚 part of keeping you healthy in body and mind!
- Appointment services: If you're feeling unwell, you can make appointments with Health Services and the Counseling Center for guidance and treatment. Office hours for both units are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Telehealth options may also be available in some instances and are no charge to students.
Steps to take when sick
If you start feeling ill, here鈥檚 a plan you can follow:
- Call or visit Health Services early to explain your symptoms and receive expert advice on how you can get better.
- Stay in your room if possible so you don鈥檛 spread germs. Remember to notify your professors when you are feeling sick and need to miss class! They will work with you to ensure you don鈥檛 fall behind.
- Hydrate: Water, juice and warm soup are essential. Getting enough rest will also help with hydration.
- Use over-the-counter medicine if needed for symptoms like a cough, fever, congestion and aches. Let Health Services know if symptoms get worse.
- If required, follow university or public health policies鈥攅specially if you need to isolate or contact Health Services for certain contagious illnesses.
Dorm disease can be a hassle, but it鈥檚 something you can handle with appropriate care. By following proper hygiene and using our supportive services, you will be on the right path to living a healthy life at UIS. College is a time for learning, growing and making connections. Don鈥檛 let dorm disease drastically deter you from that! Stay safe, take care of yourself and ask for help along the way.